For thrill seekers heading to Queenstown on New Zealand‘s South Island, rafting on the Shotover River is hard to beat. This guide helps you prepare for a white-water rafting excursion from Queenstown — with the latest on booking, what’s included, physical requirements, and what you need to bring.
Overview of Shotover River rafting adventure
Rafting down the Shotover River is something of a high stakes dance. The slows of the slow-slow-quick-quick-slow are beautifully relaxing. The chance to take in the high canyon walls, remarkable rock layers and miner’s huts dating back to the 19th century gold rush is blissful.
But it’s also the calm before the storm. While the two hour journey starts off with gentle practice rapids, the intensity increases as you blunder downstream. The Mother section soon approaches. The origin of the name – is it because it gives birth to the rest of the river? What you call for as you’re going over? A polite abbreviation of a crude-but-accurate description? – is left unexplained.
It’s a ride and a half battling through. There’s a vague pretence at steering through most of the hairy bits, but it’s really a case of hanging on and hoping for the best as the river attacks the raft like a rogue pitbull in a playground.
The big beast is yet to come. A waterfall at the end of a flooded miner’s tunnel, makes the raft lurch all over the place as it floats down, bouncing off rocks and tipping precariously. But the passengers make it intact – and the drift back to base is completed with huge grins and clanging paddles of congratulation.
Booking your rafting trip on the Shotover River
To reserve your spot, click the booking link below. Given the popularity of this experience, especially during summer months, early booking is strongly advised.
Pricing, season & what’s included
Typical half-day prices for the Shotover rafting trip are NZ$299 per adult.
Included in your booking are:
- Return transport from Queenstown town centre to the rafting base.
- Safety briefing, wetsuit, booties, helmet and life-jacket.
- Rafting trip on the Shotover River with varying rapids (grade 3-5 depending on water level).
- Hot shower facilities at the rafting base after the trip.
- Digital photos.
How to get there & practical meeting details
Meet at the RealNZ Queenstown Visitor Centre at 88 Beach Street, Queenstown. Arrival at least 20 minutes before departure is required.
From the meeting point you’ll transfer by coach to the rafting base, where you’re fitted with a wetsuite and rafting gear. From there, the group heads along Skippers Canyon Road — a steep, narrow frontage road leading into the gorge. Then you launch into the river at Deep Creek. Return drop-off is back in Queenstown.
Best times to go & how long you’ll be rafting
The rafting season typically runs from around October/November through April. The start and end of this period tends to be more intense, with river flows creating the more thrilling grade 4 to 5 rapids. Outside those months the activity may be cancelled or reduced.
Allow about 4 to 4.5 hours from meeting time to drop-off, with roughly 2 hours on the water and the rest for transit and briefing. Arrive early to give yourself time to change and prepare.
What to bring & safety considerations
- Bring a swimsuit and towel for the shower afterwards.
- Wear or bring a dry change of clothes and footwear that can get wet.
- No previous rafting experience is required, but you must be water-confident and able to follow instructions.
- Participants must meet the minimum age (13+) and weight (40 kg minimum, typically 120 kg maximum). No rafting if pregnant or with serious heart condition.
- Listen carefully to the safety briefing and follow your guide’s instructions especially in stronger rapids.
Nearby activities & how to make a full day of it
Since you’ll be in the Skippers Canyon/Queenstown area, consider combining your rafting with:
- A scenic ride on the Skyline Gondola for views and a meal at the top
- A wine-tasting stop in the nearby Gibbston Valley wine region
- A jet-boat ride on the Shotover or Kawarau Rivers for an additional thrill
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need to book in advance? | Yes — this rafting trip sells out in peak season. Booking early locks in your place and preferred time slot. |
| How much does it cost? | From NZ$299 per adult. Book online. |
| What level of fitness or experience do I need? | No prior rafting experience needed, but you must be able to swim, be comfortable in water, and meet age/weight restrictions. |
| Is it suitable for children? | Minimum age is usually 13. Younger children are generally not permitted on this grade level rafting trip. |
| What should I wear? | Swimsuit, towel, change of clothes and footwear suited for river/be beach-type. Wetsuit and gear provided. |
| What happens if the river is too low or too wild? | The operator may cancel, postpone or adapt the run depending on river conditions. Your booking should allow free cancellation up to 24 hr in advance. |
Disclosure: This guide contains affiliate booking link(s). If you book via the link above I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
More New Zealand South Island travel
Other New Zealand South Island travel stories on Planet Whitley include:
- Why you shouldn’t do a day trip to Milford Sound from Queenstown.
- Six reasons to include Queenstown in your New Zealand travel itinerary.
- Practical guide to visiting Puzzling World in Wanaka.
- Review of the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre at Mt Cook.
- Behind the scenes at the Mount John Observatory in Lake Tekapo.
